Inter boss Andrea Stramaccioni heads into Wednesday's tie against Chievo feeling the heat, after recording an indifferent start to the season in both Serie A and the Europa League.

The Nerazzurri's 2-0 weekend home loss to Siena has left the young coach's critics sharpening their knives, given how the Milanese giants actively stengthened during the summer via the arrivals of Samir Handanovic and Antonio Cassano.

With the backline leaking goals at an alarming rate, the 36-year-old is anticipated to reshuffle his pack to reflect a three-man backline, in which Walter Samuel could feature in his first league appearance of the campaign, should Andrea Ranocchia fail to shake off an injury.

Domenico Di Carlo's Gialloblu will have to be wary of the twin threat posed by Wesley Sneijder and Diego Milito, the duo remaining the pillars of Inter's attack. Chievo lost their last fixture 2-0 to league leaders Juventus in Turin on Saturday.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chievo's only victory this season has come at home, finishing 2-0 in favour of the Flying Donkeys against Bologna.

Only four other teams have conceded more goals than Chievo's seven of late.

Captain Sergio Pellissier has featured for his side since 2000, and was last season's top-scorer at Bentegodi with eight goals.

Inter have not won at Giuseppe Meazza since they defeated city rivals AC Milan by a 4-2 scoreline in May, instead slumping to three defeats and two draws in all competitions.

The home defeats inflicted by Hajduk Split, Roma and Siena have all borne the Nerazzurri losing by a two-goal margin.

Stramaccioni (pictured right) will be urging his men to maintain their imperious away form, given Inter have won all four of their Serie A and Europa League encounters on the road so far, without conceding a single goal.

Players to watch

The evergreen striker is thrust the duty of leading by example, as Chievo host their relative-giant counterparts eager to stop their slide. After Pellissier helped his side comfortably stave off relegation last season, the team will now be looking to him to spearhead their attack against a suspect Inter backline. Leading the Gialloblu's scoring charge this season with two goals in four appearances, the 33-year-old will be keen on his chances to net against the visitors, attempting to take hold of vital points in this campaign's survival race.

Making the most of his starts against Torino and Siena, the Brazilian prospect has impressed onlookers with his raw ability, drawing comparisons to international and Nerazzuri defensive predecessor, Lucio. Boasting an astute sense of awareness and authority in defence, the 21-year-old is quick to detect and snuff out danger, yet has proven just as adept using the ball. Expect Juan to come good on his promise this season, at a time when Stramaccioni desperately needs someone to stand up and take charge at the rear.

Editor's Prediction

Despite their recent struggles, Inter boast the firepower and experience necessary to earn the result against Chievo. Expect the Nerazzurri to maintain their positive streak away from San Siro, although Chievo will give their visitors a good run for their money nevertheless.